Monthly Archives: November 2011

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The term “digital natives” is related to the imminent generation, declaring that the new age revolves around the use of technology and the Worldwide Web. Through the videos viewed, many valid points were gestured. Today, we are able to take a step back and observe one another and notice how almost every aspect is lead by the use of technology. From networking sites, video games, and the cell phones used in our daily lives, there is not one situation you will approach and not notice the technology advancement being displayed. It is true that civilization thrives off of the technology produced and its continuing advances. Many adults and elders are concerned for the future of the youth. The youth are the next generation that are being held responsible for the continuation of life, but is seems impossible that such standards could be met due to the excessive use of the internet. The internet connects people to every possible source available and also connects those distanced to friends, family or random people whose façade bares a welcoming instinct. Being unaware of the dangers of reality and being force fed the virtual world is what is happening. Over half of those categorized as digital natives spend at least nine hours or more entwined with the virtual world, and only sparing an hour or less studying, reading or being productive. Spending an extensive time trying to master the uses of the web is becoming brain damaging. The generation, beginning from adolescent ages, are pruning the many brain cells they have and causing their selves to fall short in expectations. It is astounding that one could spend so much time and energy, and become so concentrated when using any form of technology, yet when in a learning facility the attention span is less than average. Maybe this is why there is beginning to be a miraculous increase of the use of technology in schools. There is a loss in many adolescents as they are becoming more attached to the technology, using it for pleasure rather than to better their selves. There is an even greater loss of adolescents daily to stalkers and those disguised as friendly personalities, along with the cyber bully that will not seize. While many kids are playing their “harmless” video games, some are unaware of the influence and future actions these games could bring. Technology is not bad, it is the way we handle it. If society could find a balance, there is hope that the generation depended on shall not fall and the next will not mimic their actions.

Upon entering Clark Atlanta University there were specific goals set and a vision of how I anticipated my freshman year to start and end. Always being an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student with a GPA above 3.5, I am determined to continue with my grades being higher than average and better than the last report received. As I examine my progress through the 14 weeks of being in U.S., Africa and the World (WISE) with Professor Underwood, I would personally say that I have been doing an exceptional job, progressing through the class and learning new things daily. Some people say that first semester of college was a rude awakening for them and that they will do better second semester, but I say that first semester of college was challenging, fun and very helpful. I made sure to keep up with all my homework and went to no parties, but I still found time for a social life. As long as you stay focused, study, complete your work ahead of time and take notes of everything being said in class it is possible to be prosperous. From the Cultural Analysis paper to my linking blogs, all stood out and proved that my advancement in Wise has been phenomenal, highlighting my writing progress and my flaws.

Though we only had one major writing assignment, my Cultural Analysis on ancient China proved to be a difficult task. The most challenge part of the paper was making sure I did not seem redundant and making sure I was giving enough historical contexts to satisfy and inform the readers. Sometimes it is felt that the ancient context given is enough and that one would not want to overdo it, but I have learned that enough is never enough. To give the background information on a topic is to give every single detail known and possible to find. Though I have been told continuously to give more factual connections, it seems I have not grasped the correct concept. I am continuing to work diligently on my elaboration of subjects. The other difficult task of not sounding repetitive is starting to become more manageable. When writing anything I make sure to keep the thesaurus beside me so I can look up more scholarly words or words that mean the same thing that are said in a different way. Overall, I feel I did a satisfactory job in writing my analysis. The grade received was exceptional, though I feel I could have done better. Regardless, I know when writing a historical paper what points I need to work on and that I always need to assure that they are being tended to.

The most recent blog, An Inside Look to the 1500’s, was not a simple task. I believe it was immense because this topic needed to be tended to with a lot of background information, which is a weakness I notice I have in history. I have elaborated as much as I could, trying to redeem myself as I introduce all civilizations I know that had major turning-points in history around the 1500’s. Hopefully my blog meets the standards listed. I believe this is not my worst piece of work, yet it is not my best, but it shows that I am trying to enhance my writing in history and I am becoming a more effective writer.

Medea: Diary of All Mad Women is my most improved blogged. I felt a connection when writing this blog because the character of Medea had been remade countless times and her story is well known, so writing this blog was very easy. I was excited for the submission and over-joy with the comment left from Professor Underwood. This blog showed me that I can be a successful history writer. It is possible that if I evaluate the topics given and try to get a more personal understanding then I might have the answer to my struggle with history.

In the course, I came to favor the subject of Confucianism and China. This was a topic I could relate to because of my interest in China, its history and language. Writing this blog was fairly easy. I really enjoyed writing this blog and I believe that is why with most of my other works I stayed connected with China and Confucianism. Though I did exceptionally well, I still have many flaws in my writing. One of the most noticeable issues is probably my grammar and punctuation. I tend to type fast and when I proofread my paper, I over-look the simple mistakes. I do need to gain help with punctuation and grammar because I do not want these issues to slow me down as a writer and prevent me from achieving what I should.

Our very first blog for history, Environment and Ancient Civilizations, was a huge realization of what I was in store for. Before Wise history, I have never actually written a historical paper. Most of my history teachers were incapable of giving me the proper learning in high school, so when I turned this first blog in I knew that there was very little history included and more English, as in the writing concepts and how I went about formulating the paper. I included some historical background, but it was not enough to satisfy a history professor and there were no dates included in the paper. After my corrections for the paper, I began to grasp what I was expected of in History.

During the 14 weeks spent in Wise History, I have learned a lot. History was never my favorite subject and I could never grasp the historical data given in class. Yet, once enrolled into Professor Underwood’s class I admit that I have a new interest in history. She is a very profound teacher and has brightened my affection toward learning history. It has become a more understandable topic and I am excited for my next semester in Wise History. Though I know I have flaws with my writing, such as grammar, punctuation, not giving enough historical context and redundancy, I can tell from each writing that I have continued to progress and learned new facets of history.

The 1500’s brought many prosperous and doubtful days upon the Earth. This firsthand look gives insight to the life and times of civilizations across the world. Starting in ancient Egypt, one of the earliest civilizations known; in Egypt, before the 15th century, these once glorious people suffered harsh turmoil. They were thrown into a period called The Great Humiliation, in 1750 BCE. This period was a great disgrace and had Egypt fall to their feet in defeat as they were taken over by the Hykso’s. As the 1500’s drew near, Egypt began to grow strong and pull together, securing the uprising of Thebes in 1550’s BCE. As the up rise of Thebes came, so did the formation of the New Kingdom in 1530-1150 BCE. King Amhose I was the current ruler and commenced the liberation of Egypt, expanding this once sunken society into the borders of Palestine. He also expanded Egypt into Syria/Mesopotamia and south of Nubia. He pushed for a stronger trading system between Punt and Arabia, exchanging ivory, slaves, jewelry, weapons and tools. During Amhose I starting reign in the early 1500’s he was classified as a great leader who gave Egypt the drive needed to get back upon its feet, launching massive buildingprograms to honor the Gods and magnify their accomplishments. Egypt’s control over Nubia was a great stepping stone for these mighty people. As they gained control over Kush and Napata, the people being enslaved were forced to work in the goldmines as state punishment. After Amhose I reign, Queen Hatshepsut came into leadership. She controlled parts deep into Nubia creating an everlasting temple in Nubia called the Temple to Horus. Many of her records have been lost since her passing.

Overseas, eastward of Egypt, the lustrous country of China experienced their share of ups and downward spirals that put them into their current state. During the rise of the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BCE), founded by Tang the Successful, many influences were developed such as the monotheistic religion of Zoroastrianism (1500 BCE-500 BCE). Zoroastrianism was founded by Zoroaster (Zarathustra). This religious belief was described as a dual nature of man having two Gods, Ahuramazda (the good God) and Anry Mainya (the bad God), fighting for humanity. This taught the men and women to possess their free ill and how they were expected to disengage in any sinful acts and abide by the divine laws. This religion is similar to the current belief of Christianity where there is God (upper Earth or heaven) and the devil (lower Earth or Hell). Also during this advancement with the Shang came the rapid movement of the capital, exhausting the tin mines and the Yin Dynasty, which produced 11 large tombs of most noticeable kings.

Just as all these life changing events occurred, in The Kingdom of Gold and Salt, the West African empires, history was being made and the beginning of a new era commenced. A noble man given the name a “Good Muslim” was on a life changing journey. Askia Muhammad Toure, thriving from 1493-1528, began bringing stability and giving money to those in need. He was known for being the first to make a glorious venture to the Hajj in 1496. While things seemed to experience rapid growth within the Western Empires the people were not prepared for the shock in store. The empire began a rapid decline as they were brought down by Northern invasions in 1591, also being taken apart by internal rebellions.

So much history has been made during the early and late 1500’s, producing many remembered leaders and many historical places. These influences are what make civilization as it is currently around the world. The 1500’s brought many up and downward spirals for the people of that time, but the still found a stepping stool and prospered over life’s difficulties.

The Dark Ages was considered a period opposite of what the European culture had usually experienced. The Europeans once possessed great wealth and prosperity where all things were good and filled with plentiful light and were named for one of the most powerful countries to stand upon a pedestal to others. Yet, all the glory did not last as they intended. They were set into a time of cultural and economic deterioration. Beginning around the time of 700 CE, ending many years later in 1300 CE Europe would be faced with continuous hardships.

August 24th, 410 AD marks the beginning of a fatal decline in Europe. The Roman Empire begins to fall in destruction. The Visigoth Warriors invaded Rome swiftly, waging war for three long, lethal days. This was marked as the first time in 800 years that the Roman Empire was conquered. What made the invasion even more difficult to only concentrate on were the facts that during a time when Rome needed its entire people to gather together, instead they began withdrawing apart. Slaves began to rise and fight back, seeing this as their only opportunity with hopes of enslaves the people they once called masters.

Alaric I, born c. 370, had became known for being one of the great leaders of the Visigoths and for bringing amongst the affliction Rome were to suffer, but before all of this commenced, Alaric I was a mighty warrior who fought alongside with the Roman Empire. He drew his men to aid the Romans in many battles, but his lack of recognition displeased Alaric I. He left the army he once fought for and was elected as the new leader of the Visigoths in 395 AD. Alaric I and his troops went to many different parts of Rome, bringing calamity to its people by holding their food supply and other needs, killing many Romans inside of the community. Finally, in 410 AD on August 24th, Alaric I and his troops sacked the Roman Empire from the inside.

It seemed that Rome could not get any worse than what has happened, but the people were in for so much more turmoil. Rome had already begun a slow decline because of the Emperors obsession with wealth and the raise of taxes. Now, the power and glory this once enlightened empire was known for did not exist. Cannibalism came into play and friends became enemies. Violence commenced for the next 7centuries. There was not an emperor to guide the community and sewages began to back up. An unknown plague, given the name the Bubonic Plague, had swept over the Roman Empire killing millions of people. There were numerous amounts of deaths, and with no food came no place to live which resulted in the only thing the Roman people could do, tear down precious monuments that held the glory of Rome and use it as their own personals. The people fret as they all knew, life was better in the past. Their enormous trading system, their educational facilities were all extinguished. The people lived in gloom and in fear. This part of history would redefine Europe.

Though all seemed lost within the walls of Rome, there were people who sought to bring their once glorious civilization back upon its feet. There were many monks and missionaries that drew the attention of the Roman people. They preached of a new, eternal emperor, Jesus Christ. Constantine, the current emperor of the fallen Rome, was enlightened by this eternal emperor and wanted to know more of him. It seemed that Jesus Christ and the practice of Christianity was the only common ground that began to once again draw the people together. 5 centuries after the death of Jesus Christ, Constantine proclaimed, in 313 AD, Christianity as the main religion of Rome. Though not all people were too favorable to this new religion, as the emperor bowed down to the almighty Jesus Christ the people followed and did the same.

Christianity began to rapidly spread and take liking to other countries, communities and emperors. Clovis I, King of the Franks reigning from 509-511, saw Christianity as an outlet to gain more control over the people and other lands. Christianity was supposed to be the source of righteousness, but Clovis I used this religion as a weapon. The people, instead of thinking of this religion as a safe haven, began to fear Christianity. With this remarkable power Clovis I held, it was used to conquer villages, making an even more invincible army. Clovis I was mad with power and did not plan on having anyone succeed him as he began to murder relatives close to him. He was seen more as a dictator that an actual leader, putting the citizens and others through near death experiences. Ordeals had to be done to sort out those who were not loyal to him. One would have to go through the process of placing their hand in boiling hot water to get the pebble located at the bottle. Your hand would be wrapped and three days later, if after being unwrapped, if your hand healed well then you were innocent of any actions, but if your hand healed badly then you were a guilty man. Another method would be to through a person into a river. If you sunk you were innocent and they would come to get you out of the water, but if you floated you were guilty. Barbaric methods, but they were commenced with. In 511 AD, Clovis I died of an unknown cause. Though it seems Clovis I only commenced unpleasant acts, he did reunite all of France to become the Franks.

In 530 AD the emperor of Rome struck back. Redefining Rome in the 3rd century, Rome began to separate into two, the west and east. Though this was thought as a resolution to Rome’s troubles, the separation was not well thought out. Though Rome was a strong civilization, separated it became weak. The west was not as strong as the east was by its self, causing the west empire of Rome to fall in destruction.

Justinian, thriving during 527 AD, a military man, had visions of reuniting the empire. To unsure his plans would go through, he needed an army and he needed money. Though his methods in mind were pure, his tactics were evil. He used trickery to raise funds for his military. Justinian lied, cheated and forged stuff. He got away with most of the stuff done, but in 532 AD a revolt raised against him. He planned on fleeing the lands on a boat with his loyal men and wife, but Theodora, his wife insisted on not fleeing. Theodora met Justinian at her work place. She worked as a dancer, better known as cortisone. She was a beautiful woman and used her sex to gain money. The instant Justinian saw her, he knew she had to be his and he went on to marry her. She was seen as an equal share holder to Justinian. Justinian, a mighty ruler, instead of leading followed behind his wife and stayed. With him not fleeing saved him a vast amount of wealth and he was able to overcome the revolts and conquer over the people.

The Dark Ages brought a great downfall to many empires but also began to shed light. The many years of darkness was a rude awakening to the people of Rome, but now they are able to look back upon the situation as a lesson learned and help with redefining the future of Rome.

From the beginning of 600 B.C.E to 300 B.C.E, China was on the path of destruction and well on its way to recreation. It was between these approximate times periods admirable philosophers were in the mist of conceiving principles that would fabricate China into its present form. With such chaos being conveyed, there were only few who went amongst the people in hope for a resolution to reconcile the Chinese world. Amongst those who sought to guide their civilization to the image of a utopia was a widely known philosopher named Confucius. He thrived from ca. 551 B.C.E to ca. 479 B.C.E. From his time, Confucius gained many followers who were enlightened by his teachings. Confucius stressed that he was not attempting to assume government position, nor become a leader; he was simply a philosopher who had higher ambitions of helping rebuild his fallen lands. All hope had seemed to be lost during the reign of the Warring Era, resulting in many deaths, poverty and taxation. As the Warring Era began to reach its closure, the solution of the problem seemed to end with Confucianism. Confucianism has continued to thrive in ancient China creating many impressionable marks through the principles preached with value. Confucianism was described as a philosophy that held together traditional aspects, highlighting the facts of history and keeping customs intact with ancient China, mainly through the reinforcement of structure.

Confucianism emerged during the period of the Warring States Era when the Shang dynasty was in power. This philosophy concentrates on the importance of respect, structure, the Mandate from Heaven, the government ruling without an iron fist, or trying to force upon unneeded situations, and emphasized the importance of knowing history. “Confucius was concerned more with the cultivation of social harmony than with the machinations of power.”[1] Confucianism proclaimed that the unlawful leadership is the reason behind the beginning of the Warring States. Believing in the Mandate, with no questions asked and pulling together to become more stern and strong with a conservative outlook was the solution Confucianism preached. Yet, this illustrious philosophy was not the only reform created as a resolution. Legalism, a stricter form of power, went against Confucianism and ultimately won over as the abiding law of China. Though Legalism was the key principle that China’s evolving civilization abided by Confucianism continues to flourish through China’s civilization bringing about the thought of this practice being a more favorable project of reconstruction within the civilization.

The principle Confucius held highly with the thought that will help insure China’s recreation was structure. Structure played a key role in many aspects of life. Whether in or a household or within the community, the pyramid insisted was set as a guiding tool for success. Inside the house, a husband would tend to his deeds as in working and providing for the family. He would go amongst civilization trying to make an honest living and create a title for him and his family. The woman would tend to her husband and the children, nurturing her family and making sure everyone is tended to with a hot meal every day, clean clothes, proper grooming and always being welcomed to a clean home. The children would obey and respect mother and father and as a whole, the family would honor elders and those wiser. “Ministers will serve their lords with benevolence and justice; sons will serve their fathers with benevolence and justice; younger brothers will serve their elder brothers with benevolence and justice; so that ruler and minister, father and son, elder and younger brother will expel thoughts of profit and harbor benevolence and justice and draw close together.” [2] With this method in place it was thought that no havoc would commence and everyone would stay in their rightful occupation.

Outside of the household, the rules of structure were still expected to be exemplified through each citizen. The most important people whom were held upon a pedestal were China’s elders and those who were described as enlightened during Confucianism’s reign. The people respected their elders and cherished their presence during and after life. They were here long before those younger than them and have gained a vast amount of wisdom and have grown as a person. These highly respected citizens were people who the Chinese civilization looked up to for guidance and lessons on life. “The Master said, at fifteen I set my mind on learning; by thirty I had found my footing; at forty I was free of perplexities; by fifty I understood the will of Heaven; by sixty I learned to give ear to others; by seventy I could follow my hearts desires without overstepping the line.”[3] The elders were respected by all, wealthy and poor. After the elders, the structure of society went from the gentry to the peasants to the merchants. If the people were unhappy with their place in the society, it was their task to bring forth their selves and family to the position they wished to be known for.

Containing social stratification (structure) kept every simple and complex task tended to. Whether it was being a simple farmer who grew the crops that went upon each plate for daily meals or a warrior for the Emperor who received medals of honor, each task looked upon was seen as mediocre or of great importance, but behind the façade the task are life changing. Each person’s work was useful and kept balance in the Chinese civilization. If everyone was seen as equals, the world could possibly become corrupt from the disagreement of class order. No-one ever chooses where they are settled at in life, but there are chances for each individual to make a difference and give their selves the proper title insisted, though a title is only a name given and does not have a true definition of self character. “A virtuous plebian who cultivates his qualities can be a gentleman, while a shameless son of a king is only a small man.”[4]

In summation, during the warring states in China, 600 B.C.E to 300 B.C.E, the practice of Confucianism brought together the Chinese civilization with the teachings of orderly structure/social stratification within the community and family implementing unity. These actions not only made a great influence upon China, making them stronger than once before and sure of not repeating acts of the Warring States Era, but also left an even greater impression across other countries. Since the birth of Confucianism, this luxurious teaching method has expanded all over the world, receiving many followers’ that seek to continue Confucius legacy. Many signs of Confucianism can be seen throughout daily lives. Since Confucius death, many monuments have been and continue to become established in his honor. “Today there are many temples that were built to honor Confucius. The temples built to Confucius are not organized places were groups gather to worship, but a public edifice designed for annual ceremonies.”[5]

Bibliography

Clark Atlanta University History Department. The United States, Africa, and the World: A

On many occasions in the girls suites, the fire alarm has been set off, and many instances the fire is a false alarm. Sometimes I t may be a female who does not know how to take care of her hair properly, flat ironing it too much, causing her hair to burn and smoke. Sometimes it is a female who may not read instructions on a microwavable meal or does not know how to properly use a microwave. A lot of times it is an ignorant child trying to sneak a boy in or out of the girl’s suites after visiting hours. Regardless the circumstance, our fire alarm goes off too much. Every time the alarm goes off, the fire fighters have no choice but to come to the suites to see about the alarm. From their expressions I can tell that they are tired of wasting their time coming to Clark Atlanta University for false alarms and I am sure that the staffs are also upset with the aspect because every time the fire fighters show, they get paid. What worries me is the thought of the fire fighters coming to the suites for a non-real fire when they can be out tending to a real fire. What worries me the most though is the fact that since we have so many fire drills that are false, most of the girls has begun to ignore the alarms. They believe that most of the time there is no real fire in the building, so they stay in their rooms doing whatever they are doing at the moment. That is very dangerous because you do not know when the fire may be real or not and if it is real that one time, you can be out of luck and within the next few days the school will be honoring you in memory. I do not wish to hear about the death about “x amount of” students due to a fire. I am sure to get out of bed or stop whatever I am doing and throw on clothes to come outside. I value my life and wouldn’t want to try my chances dealing with a fire because I live on the fourth floor and the windows are bolted. Life isn’t promised. Would you stay in bed if you heard the fire alarm going off, knowing that is has went off countless times before?

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 10:37am I received a call while eating breakfast with my friends and boyfriend. The call came from Clark Atlanta University. Upon answering, a computer began talking, stating that the message being relayed was urgent. As I pressed the number one to continue to listen to the message, the voice told me to be alert and stay away and off of Morehouse college campus until further notice due to a bomb threat. I wasn’t sure what to think of the situation at hand after receiving the message, but once I saw that my friend sitting with me at the table received the same message and then my boyfriend and other friend at the table received the message via email I knew that the situation was real. Frantic, we didn’t know what to do and more importantly we wanted to know if classes were canceled. We sat in the cafeteria for a moment discussing the aspect of the bomb threat then decided to get up out of our seats and see if anyone else around had received the same message. My first instinct was to call my roommate and suitemate, just to make sure they were aware. It seems that everyone was aware of the threat. What scared me was the fact that if there was an actual bomb, everything in a 3 to 5 mile radius would be harmed. In my mind I thought that Clark Atlanta campus is not even a mile, nor a mile and a half away from Morehouse College. Clark Atlanta University is about two steps off of Morehouse. I wanted to go home and was not intending on staying at the university for long. What scared me the most was the fact that most people were not concerned about the threat. Maybe it has happen before, but I was taught to take every life threatening situation seriously. Lucky after an hour or so another call was placed stating that everything was safe and we were able to resume with our daily schedule. I was still unsure and debating on going to class. Life is precious and can be taken away at any moment so value each and every day and take account of the possibilities of situations. If you had a bomb threat at your school what would you have done?

May 21st, 2011 was a day that changed my life and wrote down in a book, entitled Jacquelyn Nichelé Jackson, the next chapter of my life. Soon as my name was called and I walked across the stage at the Georgia Dome, I knew I was a graduate. Not only was I a graduate, but I was also considered a college woman. Joy sprung into my heart as I knew that I was to be transitioning from high school to college within a few short months, and there was so much left to do on my check list. As time grew closer to the day of move in I grew more anxious and when that day finally arrived, the adrenaline that rushed through my body could not be contained. As I stepped onto the campus of Clark Atlanta University I knew a lot of stuff had to change because this isn’t high school anymore. You were able to express yourself and wear what you pleased, there was a greater variety of food and school had become your new home away from home. Welcome to the college life. In high school, the instant you walked into the building with a skirt or shorts that did not reach your finger tips, you had on leggings or a too revealing shirt, you were either sent home if you could not produce clothing that could cover yourself or you would be sent to ISS (In-School Suspension). They believed that the way you dressed, girls or boys, caused distractions to the class and a proper education would not be taught. They also insisted that we dress appropriately for our self-respect. Yet in college, the professors and staff do not care what you wear to class, though they believe that all students are scholars and should dress like a scholar because you do not know who you may meet whenever, or wherever you go. Most scholars do not dress like scholars though because since now we have the freedom to wear anything we want to class. Eventually, the do’s and don’ts of what to wear will eventually be known and learned, but as of not this isn’t high school anymore. Monday through Friday would never be a surprise. The same food would be served continuously, except on holidays the staff may switch the menu. Pizza on Mondays, pot pie on Tuesdays, nachos on Wednesdays, chicken on Thursdays and cheese fries on Friday. The order may switch sometimes, but the food would always be reused. Lunch was never the high light of high school, nor breakfast. Breakfast would always be a surprise. It was sometimes breakfast food you’ve never heard of that would leave a nasty taste in your mouth by its name. Though you may not want it, you would always be hungry having no choice but to grab some food before the line closed. Once arriving at Clark Atlanta University, the food served was phenomenal. Sometimes we would have repeats of meals, but there was always something new to try. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were never dull. Though their food seemed to be appetizing, it soon lost its lust and now fills my stomach with pain. You have to catch the café on a good day to get food that taste seasoned and appealing. Am I sure this isn’t high school anymore? Leaving my bed meant for two, being surrounded by my own four walls with my own bathroom was a big change. I miss the nights I could close the door and not see any ones face but my own, turning my TV or music up as loud as I pleased. I miss the home cooked meals and the monthly food stamps that ensured that whatever food we purchased would be food that appealed to me. The kitchen was always at disagreement with me when I had to clean it daily, but the advantage of being able to cook whatever, whenever makes me wish home was near. The local stores and Wal-Mart that stays open 24/7 are attractions that could not be overcome. Yet, I live in the CAU Suites, my home away from home, where there is no stove, food is scarce, my space has to be shared and the hallways are filled with abundant girls who do not know the definition of sleep and quiet. When I come home from school, I’m still at school; there is no escaping Clark Atlanta University. This definitely isn’t high school anymore. The steps I’ve made to get to the places I am at now have been dramatic. These changes are for the better though. I’m slowly being given the freedom of self expression, expanding my taste buds and searching for my new permanent home. From the beginning of May 24,, 2011 I have changed physically, emotionally and personally. I am now a college woman on my way to becoming a career woman in New York City. This surely isn’t high school anymore. Do you remember your what transformation you went through after graduation?

My junior year at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School there was a party held by the faculty and staff for all juniors in preparation for the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT). It lasted until 12’ midnight. It was held in the cafeteria and in the hallways of the high school. When everyone got settled, a light snack was pasted out as the projector screen can down. The video played was created by the teachers who were chaperoning us this night. The theme for the video was The Matrix. I did not comprehend to the idea of the Matrix and everyone calling us the “Chosen One’s”. Every time a teacher cheered us on and proclaimed us the chosen ones, I would look with a blank stare because I still did not understand the meaning of the “Chosen One’s”. I thought it was a ridiculous name to give the class of 2011. As we rose from our seats and went to the halls to our designated classes I tried to figure out the meaning of our given name. My friends didn’t know the meaning either. We went into our assigned class and got a brief review of basic concepts that were sure to be one the GHSGT, and then we rotated classes. After two or three classes, there was an intermission where the students were provided pizza, chips and a drink. The thought of the “Chosen One’s” had left my head. I was no longer concerned. I just was ready to finish with the reviews so I could go. When I went to my next scheduled review with Ms. Sewell, I was greeted by a short lady dressed in a black coat and boots with dark shades on. She lead us into the room and gave the class the choice to choose the red pebble and leave the class or to choose the blue pebble and travel with her down the rabbit hole into a place of wonder. The class collectively chose blue pebble and as we did Ms. Sewell smiled and began waving her left and right index fingers back and forth screaming out “Chosen One’s”. She had the class join in. an epiphany had swept across me swiftly. We, the class of 2011, are the CHOSEN ONE’S (Chosen 1’s as in 11, two ones). As we were let out of class I rushed to my friends to give them the news. Suddenly, I was not the only one who had an epiphany. Wen reading this, did you automatically figure the mean of the Chosen One’s?

How could you turn your back on us on we on me Without an explanation or a cause
Just like that we lost it all
Without reason I fall so quick so hard not knowing where to start to bring you back into my life into my world
And just like that we have become strangers as if we never met never spoke
Day by day I lose hope I choke on my words I lose breath not knowing what to say to get things back the right way
Well I see there is no solution so I look away
In my mind I want to shout and say F’ THE WORLD cause the world F’d me
F’d me over everyday as I play this game we call life
Seems as if I cant do right
I cant win
Yes Im slowly dieing within
But you will never know or see how cold blooded and heartless I am and truly could be
Throw on a smile and live in denial life is worth wild well not for me
I live it cause I have to and my path is already set yet I continue to drive off course in order to find HIM Patiences is something I do not have So when you came to me speaking so sweet of us and we I quickly believed with doubt in my mind I let you commit the crime of stealing my heart and I watched as you tore it apart with a beautiful smile and handed it back with tender care
“Im Sorry” is all you can say with a blank stare
Well I dont care (stop kidding yourself Jacque you know you do)
Damn your right I thought I could fool myself as you did fooling me thinking you could possibly be the one for me
Now seeing your presence brings me pain
Speaking of you I give you no name
Where did it go wrong from all that was said I thought we were the perfect pair
But looks are decieving as I now learn
But even with all the misfortune my poor heart it still yearns
Yearing to be held cherished appreciated accepted happy and most of all to be LOVED
Have you ever experienced this heart-filled pain of lust and love
Have you ever?